The Portland daily press., 1887-05-07
SAVED.
A Story of the French Revo-
luton.
1Boston Times ]
BY sALLIE A. SMITH.

little retreat with painted ceilings and walls
hung with Gobelin tapestry of magnificent
workmanship; there were rosewood floors,
curtains of silk and lace, furniture of gray
and gold chefs-d' dmOre Of carving and en-
amel, glass, lustres, gothic clocks, embroid-
cred screens, paintings by Vernet and
thousand other trifles and luxurious appoint
ments Of which the fair queen was so fond.
The elder lady, who was between thirty
thee aud thirty-four years Of age was re
markably beautiful although at first sight, a
great air of hauteur detracted slightly from
the charm of her expression Her carriage
was so proud and her whole appearance so
distinguished one could tell at glance that
the lady was the Queen Marie Antoinette
Her companion who was ten or twelve years
younger was hardly less beautiful than her
majesty. Her complexion was charming;
her brown hair drawn back from the tenn
Piles showed to advantage the perfect oyal of
her face, two large blue eyes calm and Sc
rene, a well-formed mouth and pearly teeth,
such was the appearance of the fayorlte maid
of honor to the queen.
Jeanne" said the queen, as she bent over
her embroidery frame, 81 have often heard
of the great and wonderful power of the
visit him this afternoon in disguise and beg
him to cast our horoscope and favor us with
glimpse into the future"
"But, your majesty" replied the lady
called Jeanne, "What will the king say?
fear he will not approve"
I'VE will not inform him where we are GO
ing, and on my return, If the future is to be
a bright one, then the king shall hear of our
adventure"
1t was toward the close of the day when
two sisters of charity in black robes and
close black bonnets might have been seen
hurrying along through obscure streets try
ing to elude observation, and the taller one
held handkerchief to her face whenever a
passer-by glanced toward them. At length
hailing public carriage they were driven
rapidly through the well lighted thorough
fares, until they came to large house with
an aristocratic air; it was dark and sombre
looking outside and was surrounded by a
courtyard. The coachman opened the gate
for his passengers, gave long loud knock
on the oaken door and left, after being told
swered the summons and the taller lady
asked for Count Cagliostro; he bowed, and
silent and noiseless as a shadow he glided
over the thick carpet. A bronze lamp dimly
lighted up the large and lofty hallway.
Ushering the strangers into magnificent
apartment, all lighted with dozens of per-
fumed wax lights in glittering candelabras
and gorgeous with velvet furniture, the man
announced in a loud voice.
'Two ladies to see the Count Cagliostro.' -
Seated at a table in the centre of the room
was gentleman near forty years of age
short, fair haired, blue eyed, with pensiye
expression on his fine looking countenance
and nobility stamped on his open and manly
forehead. This was the then famous NEGRO.
mancer. The maid of honor trembled and
clung nervously to the arm of her royal mis-
tress but the queen advanced with proud
step.
"Your majesty honors my humble abode, .
said the gentleman as he arose and kneeling
kissed the hand of the queen.
"Ahl so you penetrated my disguise? ?"
laughed the lady, but blushing a little as
she met the clear blue eyes of the count fixed
uPoh hcA iONCiy CouutcudHCe.
"Who could ever forget the face of Marie
Antoinette, the most beautiful queen who
ever sat upon throne?" replied Cogliostro,
as he placed chairs for the ladies, bowling tc
the ground as he did So Marie Antoinettt
removed her heavy hood and cloak and hel
beauty was dazzling. Robed in soft grey
silk with costly laces at the neck and short
elbow sleeves, her fair hair of which she
was so proud dressed high ON her head in
the fashion of the day, and her eyes blue as
woodland violets. her throat, around which
glittered circle of diamonds, was long and
and slender, her hands, also flashing with
gems. were perfect. the expression of hel
face severe but noble. Jeanne also laid aside
her disguise and then the queen turning to
the count said, while sweet smile lighted
up her countenance.
I'VE have intruded ON your valuable time
fear, but we wish you to favor us with oul
horoscope"
Jeanne turned pale as the strange being
glanced toward her, for she thought of the
mauy rumors she had heard in regard to him
how he was said to have the art of renew.
ing his youth, that he had lived for thous.
ands of years and yet was young, that he
could read as from book the destiny of al
he met
at this request of.the queen Count Cog
liostro looked at her with melancholy all
full Of pity and kindness, and Jeanne felt a
thrill OF superstitious horror pervade hei
frame; but the queen smiling and calm
awaited quietly until the mysterious man
should speak.
Madame, my honored mistress, cannot
refuse request of yours, If you insist
and the count bowed humbly before his royal
mistress.
But do insist, and if that will not an
swer then / command" the queen smilingly
replied; but at the same time, Jeanne who
knew Marie Antoinette well, felt that she
meant to be obeyed in spite of entreaties.
No more being said the count sat in silence
Tor moment. then there seemed to beam
from his blue orbs an inspired light.
Your past has been pleasant, you have
had youth, health, beauty and alteration.
Your future is clouded. cannot see clearly.
but" and hesitating he stopped.
go on, the queen commands" said calm
voice and Marie Antoinette sat smiling and
undismayed.
II see great crowd" continued Cogliostro
in low tone, 'and scaffold-a lady ascends
the steps, the executioner is there, the lady's
long hair is snowy white; she turns-it is
the queen, 1t is Marie Antoinette."
He ceased and a cry of horror broke from
the pale lips of Jeanne
This is horrible! tell me you are testing y
said the maid of honor looking at him with a
supplicating air.
Il never jest" the strange being answered
coldly.
You are not very gallant, Count; you
frighten my little Jeanne by your CHASTITY
prophecies" calmly spoke the queen, al
though truth to tell, her own cheek was
slightly pale. 'If you can see anything
bright in her life tell her of it and drive away
these shadows"
Cogliostro looked at the brave, beautiful
lady with respect and admiration then turn
ing to Jeanne he smiled as he gazed on her
sweet and blushing face.
''You will ere many years pass over your
head be happy wife and mother; but be-
fore sunshine comes there will be sorrow,
darkness and grief You will marry man
Of the people, who will save you in the time
of your greatest danger"
''Happy GIRL" sighed Marie Antoinette as
they resumed their disOuisae and nrana rod IN